Box Score ST. GEORGE, Utah – Dixie State forward Kimberly Thurman (Sandy, UT) floated a game-tying goal in the 19^th minutes that provide to be a crucial equalizer. Mother Nature had the last laugh, cutting short the 2014 season opener by 20 minutes that ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw against Chico State.
 
"I think we played well for a majority of the game but was disappointed with the execution in the final third of the field," head coach Kacey Bingham said. "Chico's size and strength was a good test for us."

The Wildcats struck first with a throw-in pass and stellar crossing shot into the middle of box for Nicole Roberts. Her header snuck inside the left post to give Chico State a 1-0 lead in the 17^th minute.
 
Thurman's goal came just minutes after entering the match as a substitute. The one-on-one, 20-yard shot over the drawn in Wildcat goalie was helped by a Mindi Beckstrom (Nibley, UT) pass that threaded through the Chico State defense.
 
Both teams squandered chances late in the first half and in the early moment of the second half. The weather played havoc on both teams as a late summer thunderstorm blew into southern Utah causing winds up to 30 miles an hour.
 
Dixie State almost took the lead on a free kick from the left side by Emily Fox (Lehi, UT). Her bending shot tracked toward the top of the net, but was knocked clear by Brianna Furner.

"We need to find our rhythm faster moving forward," Bingham added.
 
Chico State had the slim edge in overall shots, 10-9.
 
The Red Storm remains at home on Saturday, hosting another non-conference match with Cal Poly Pomona at 6 p.m. from Hansen Stadium.